Anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
There is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers.
Work in my Department is starting around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress this, in conjunction with the NTA. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.